LWML > Resources > Meeting Helps > Suzy Structure

Introducing S-U-Z-Y  S-T-R-U-C-T-U-R-E

Suzy's purpose is much like that of an athletic team's mascot -- she brings enthusiasm, encouragement, and helpful information to all who are involved with the structure of an organization. Because Suzy has the tools needed to build a strong structure for her LWML organization, she is confident and happy. The cross of Christ on her hard hat is a reminder that "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1 Cor. 14:40) RONR ( Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised) is the parliamentary authority which governs the proceedings of the LWML organizations at all levels, and the gavel is the tool used by a presiding officer to signal for attention or order.

COMMITTEES

An effective organization needs energetic committees!
• Committees are instruments for accomplishments.
• Cooperation is as important as what committee
   accomplishes
• Both chairman and members of committees have
   significant responsibilities.

Chairman Responsibilities:
• to present the project or problem,
• to clarify the problem or project,
• to stimulate group thinking,
• to follow the discussion,
• to summarize the discussion.

Committee Member Responsibilities:
• to take part in discussion,
• to avoid discussing unrelated matters,
• to keep prejudices in check and respect another’s  
   views,
• to follow the discussion attentively,
• to share experiences for the benefit of the group,
• to help make decisions, then act,
• to attack problems impersonally and avoid
   arguments.

To enable committees to function effectively, certain principles should be recognized and supported with practice.

Operational Principles for Committees:
• Committees should expect to have significant work to
   do; committee member should be competent for that
   work.
• The committee chairman sets the tone, tempo and
   tactics of the operation of the committee.
• The leader, chairman and committee members should
   be knowledgeable about the operations of the
   committee.
• Committees accomplish more when members work
   on assignments between meetings.
• Effective communication requires effort on the part of
   both the speaker and the listeners.
• All committee decisions affect people; people should
   be considered when making decisions.

Resource: LWML Committees publication. Revised 7/2008.

Suzy Structure Archive

August 2008
April 2008
December 2007
March 2007
Structure Committee Fact Worksheet